What Causes a Colon Blockage?

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According to WebMD, a colon blockage, or a bowel obstruction, can be caused by a tumor, scar tissue or narrowing of the intestines. Bowel obstructions can occur in the small or large intestine, but they are known as colon blockages in the large intestine.

In the large intestine, or the colon, blockages are most commonly caused by cancer, states WebMD. Other causes of bowel obstructions in the large intestine include severe constipation, diverticulitis or inflammatory bowel disease. To treat bowel obstructions, patients may need enemas or stents to open up the blockage. Severe blockages may require surgery. The underlying cause of the blockage must be determined for proper treatment and prevention of another blockage.

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